EC approves plan for mixed solar/wind tenders in Denmark

August 20 (Renewables Now) - The European Commission (EC) on Friday gave its support to Denmark’s plan to hold two mixed-technology renewable energy tenders as part of the country’s efforts to boost wind and solar generation in 2018 and 2019.

Denmark has received approval for three schemes that will lift the share of solar and wind power production in the two years in line with its goal to meet 50% of its overall energy consumption with renewables by 2030 and cease its dependence on fossil fuels by 2050.

The set of initiatives to back those targets include two tender rounds for solar, onshore and offshore wind power capacity, which will be held in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The budget for holding the competitive selections is DKK 842 million (USD 129.2m/EUR 112.9m). Projects in the auctions will compete for contracts for a premium on top of the market electricity price.

Additionally, the EC has given its nod to Denmark’s DKK-200-million aid scheme targeting onshore wind demonstration projects outside the two national test centres for large wind turbines. A transitional aid scheme for onshore wind, with a budget of DKK 40 million, is also among the approved initiatives, all of which will be funded from Denmark’s state budget.

Financial support under the three schemes will be provided for 20 years.

Veselina Petrova is one of SeeNews Renewables most experienced green energy writers. For several years she has been keeping track of game-changing events both large and small projects and across the globe.